The University of Queensland

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It began as a forum for the presentation of the newest and the best the State had to offer; an opportunity to pursue markets; view new equipment and promote advances in agriculture and industry.

Now it is also a meeting place to celebrate the rural and the urban; showcase the traditional and contemporary, reflecting the diverse society we live in and so contributes to a vital part of Queensland’s history.

During the 1897 exhibition, there was great discussion of the display of the "Travelling Dairy" [Laval Pasteuriser and Cooler] where the exhibitor was able to instruct visiting dairymen from around the colony, in the latest methods of milk processing. Without power or refrigeration, the introduction of "pasteurisation" was the topic of the day, even "we will not hesitate to say, before too long be compulsory by law".

Over 500,000 people visit every August, what makes our ekka so popular still?

Is it the carnival atmosphere? The wonders of viewing baby animals up close? Strawberries and cream? Dagwood dogs? Working dogs? Prize bulls on parade? Or the public holiday?

It is an opportunity to share childhood memories with our children and continue the tradition.

For some it is the showbags, others marvel at the size of the pumpkins. For me it is the demonstration of skills required by the earliest colonists such as woodchopping and sawing, animal husbandry and food production, arts, crafts, and the fruits of the land.

There are some stands that are no longer seen, which bring back fond memories, the Silhouette Man, Bill Sharman's Boxing Tent, the Lucky Pearl Dip and the Catch Your Own Goldfish.

Whatever the reason, it remains an iconic event in the hearts of many Queenslanders.

The showgrounds are soon to be redeveloped but the event is destined to continue, to be enjoyed by many more generations of both city and country folk.

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Fryer Library holds a diverse selection of material relating to the Exhibition and its early history. View more information ...
A display of some of this material can be found in the foyer of the Fryer Library for the next two weeks.

. . . Marg Powell, Belinda Spinaze, Courtney Moran, Mark Sherwood, Rose Wade, Penny Whiteway.